Tour 7 Lakes Ausangate One Day

What makes the Ausangate Seven Lakes day trip in the Cusco area so interesting is how quickly you go from city life to high-Andes silence, with seven lakes showing up one after another under the snow-covered Ausangate peak. I really like that the route is set up for people who want a serious nature day without complicated planning, and I also like that you’re not left alone at altitude thanks to oxygen and provided trekking poles.

One consideration: this is an early, long day and the hike is still demanding at altitude, so you need to be ready for thin air and fast-changing weather, plus there’s very little shade along the way.

Key takeaways before you go

• Seven lagoons, one snowy mountain backdrop: Expect big color shifts and constant views of Ausangate.
• Altitude support included: Oxygen is part of the package, and guides can help pace the day.
• Early start, long day, small group: You’re typically out for about 15 hours, with a maximum of 15 travelers.
• Breakfast, lunch, and transport are handled: Private transportation plus meals means fewer moving parts for you.
• Hot springs are optional: You can soak at Aguas Termales Pacchanta after the hike.
• Horses are not included: Plan to walk, and budget for tips separately.

Why Ausangate’s Seven Lagoons Feel Worth the Long Day

This trip is built for people who like their Peru real and quiet. You start in the Cusco area, then spend the day out among high-altitude lakes, grazing animals, and wide sky views that make you look up again and again. The seven lagoons are especially satisfying because each one has its own color mood, from deep turquoise tones to more emerald greens, with Ausangate’s snow-covered presence in the background the whole time.

I also like that the experience is designed around the whole day, not just a quick walk and back. You get a proper start with breakfast, a focused hike to the lagoons, and then recovery time with an optional hot springs stop and lunch. It feels like a complete outing rather than a rushed checklist.

If you’re the type who gets impatient with early mornings or you dislike challenging physical days, this may not be your best match. The altitude can feel intense, and the weather can shift quickly, so you’ll want layers and a calm pace.

The Very Early Pickup From Plaza Regocijo

The day begins at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point. The start is early enough that you should treat it like a full-day commitment, not a casual excursion. Some departures start around 4 a.m., and the point is to get hiking while the conditions are fresh and the day is still young.

Private transportation helps here. Instead of collecting a big group across town, you’re moved from your area to the starting point and back again. With a small maximum group size, you’re also more likely to feel like the day stays organized and under control.

Practical advice: set yourself up the night before. Have your layers ready, keep sunscreen accessible, and make sure you’re hydrated before you leave. At altitude, you’ll feel it if you play catch-up later.

Pacchanta Baja Breakfast, Then You Hit the Trail

Once you’re transferred to Pacchanta Baja, the day starts with a rich breakfast buffet. This is a genuine help because you’re about to spend hours at altitude and you won’t want to start the hike hungry or under-fueled. The morning meal also gives you a chance to settle your body, use the restroom, and get your gear sorted before moving.

From there, you begin the hike toward Ausangate 7 Lagunas. The timing is set so you walk through changing high-Andes scenery and reach the lagoon area after roughly a couple of hours of hiking. In other words, you’re not staring at the same view for hours before anything special appears.

A nice detail: rods are included. Trekking poles help a lot on altitude trails because they reduce the load on your knees and give you balance when the ground changes. Use them from the start, not halfway through.

Hiking to the Seven Lagoons: Altitude, Colors, and No Shade

This is the heart of the day. After breakfast, you hike through open mountain terrain and reach the point where you can see the seven lagoons. The lagoon portion is what most people come for, and it delivers: you’ll see distinct colors across the lakes, and Ausangate’s snow-covered peak becomes the constant reference point in the distance.

The hike is described as moderate in fitness level, but you should still expect effort at altitude. One of the most repeated truths from people who do this route is that thin air can feel intense at first. What helps is pacing, and the inclusion of oxygen means you’re not left to manage altitude stress on your own.

Other practical realities to take seriously:

• Expect little to no shade. That means sunscreen matters.
• Weather changes fast. Layers are not optional. One moment you might want less clothing, and the next you’ll want warmth.
• Keep your camera ready. The lakes look different at different angles and lighting, and it’s the kind of view you’ll want to capture more than once.

Also, this is not a sterile photo stop. The route passes through areas where you may spot wild birds, llamas, and even locals herding sheep. It adds texture to the day, not just scenery.

If you’re worried about stamina, your best strategy is slow, steady movement and using your poles correctly. The guide pacing approach is part of why people finish feeling proud rather than wrecked.

Aguas Termales Pacchanta Hot Springs, Optional But Smart

After you wrap up the lagoon walk and return, you reach Aguas Termales Pacchanta. The hot springs stop is optional, but if your legs feel it, this is a classic “yes, I’m glad I did that” moment. Soak time helps recovery, and you’ll have a built-in pause before the final meal and ride back.

Admission to the hot springs is included, so you won’t have to handle extra payments on the fly. After the soak window, you have lunch, then you head back to Cusco and get dropped at your hotel area.

Even if you skip the springs, the sequence still matters. You’re given lunch before the long return ride, which keeps the day from turning into an energy crash right when you need it most.

Value Check: What $70 Really Covers on This One-Day Trek

At $70 per person, the value comes from what’s included, not just the sticker price. You get private transportation, breakfast, lunch, rods, and oxygen. For a full-day outing at altitude with long travel time, those are the pieces that typically add up when you try to DIY it.

This is also a small-group tour with a maximum of 15 travelers, which tends to make the day feel smoother. You’re less likely to spend time waiting around or getting shuffled at each stage.

What’s not included is also important:

• Tips are not included.
• Horses are not included.

So budget for tips if you feel the guide earned it. And for horses, think carefully. If you’re set on using one, you’ll need to arrange it on your own because it’s not part of this package.

Duration is listed at about 15 hours. That long day is the trade-off for getting out early and returning after the hot springs and lunch. If you only want a short excursion, pick something else. If you’re happy with a full day outside, this is the right kind of commitment.

Timing, Weather, and Gear That Keep You Comfortable

This trip is a test of readiness, not just fitness. The altitude can feel intense, and weather can swing fast, so your comfort depends on layers and basic sun protection.

Based on what people say worked well, I’d plan around these:

• Bring layers so you can adjust quickly when conditions change.
• Use sunscreen, because there’s almost no shade on the hike.
• Bring a camera since the seven lagoons and Ausangate views create repeated photo moments.
• Use the included trekking poles right away for balance and knee support.

If you’re unsure about your tolerance for altitude, the good news is oxygen is provided. That does not remove the need for pacing, but it helps you manage the hardest moments more confidently.

Finally, start early, hydrate, and keep a calm rhythm. This is not the day to sprint ahead and “win” the hike.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Want Another Option

This tour fits best if you want:

• A one-day trek that still feels like a real mountain experience
• High-altitude lakes with noticeable color variation and big peak views
• A guided day that covers transport, meals, and altitude support
• A small group format that avoids chaos

It may be less ideal if you:

• Know you struggle with early mornings
• Want lots of shade or a gentle walk
• Are not comfortable with altitude challenges, even with oxygen support

If you enjoy nature, animals, and a slower pace for looking and taking photos, you’ll probably have a strong day. The lagoon stops tend to feel peaceful and unhurried once you’re there.

Should You Book the Tour 7 Lakes Ausangate One Day?

I’d book this if you’re in Cusco and you want one standout day trip that actually feels like the Andes, not just a scenic drive. The package makes sense for $70 because you’re not paying extra for the basic logistics that make or break mountain days: private transport, breakfast and lunch, trekking poles, and oxygen.

Book if you can handle an early start, a long day, and a hike that can feel challenging at altitude. If those things stress you out, then it’s better to choose something easier and save your energy for Cusco itself.

One more practical note: this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. So only lock it in if you’re feeling confident about your schedule and your ability to do the hike that day.

FAQ

How much does the 7 Lakes Ausangate One Day tour cost?

The tour price is $70.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 15 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You start at Plaza Regocijo (Cusco 08002, Peru) and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are private transportation, breakfast, lunch, rods (trekking poles), and oxygen.

Is the hot springs stop included, and can I skip it?

Yes, the hot springs at Aguas Termales Pacchanta are included, but bathing there is optional.

What should I know about fitness level and the group size?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level, and the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.